Food addiction

More often than not, there is an underlying psychological or emotional cause for food addiction. While food is necessary for health and life, we have built an emotional dependence on eating. Because of this dependence, the boundaries between healthy sustenance and addiction can appear unclear.

Overcoming a food addiction is about changing the way you think and your attitude towards food, rather than changing your diet. Hypnotherapy can help teach you how to cope when times get tough. If something in your life goes wrong or you experience a stressful, upsetting event, hypnotherapy can teach you how to manage your emotions without turning to food.

The crux of food addiction is control. We know we need food to maintain strength and energy. It is when we lose control of our intake and eat too much or too little, that a problem can arise. ‘Food addiction’ therefore, may not be so much an addiction to food, but more of an addiction to eating.

Hypnosis for food addiction

Many people with a food addiction will feel a lack of control around food. Sufferers may blame themselves for their disorder. They may hide it from friends and family and spiral out of control.

Living with an eating problem can be a difficult, lonely experience, but it is important to understand that you are not alone. Eating problems aren’t just about food - often they are about difficult feelings or situations that you are unable to cope with. For many people, focusing on food can act as a coping mechanism.

Food addiction is defined as a compulsive disorder that can, in some circumstances, lead to overeating, low self-esteem and eating disorders. It may be anxiety or stress related and if left untreated, the disorder can break down a person’s self-esteem. Hypnotherapy is a treatment option that can work to overcome the addiction. It can rebuild the client’s relationship with food by changing the associated behaviours and negative thought patterns. It can enable clients to recognise the problem.

As with overcoming any other form of addiction, the individual must be ready to make a change.

What to expect from a hypnotherapy session

During the session, your hypnotherapist will begin by talking to you about what you hope to achieve with hypnotherapy. It is likely they will ask you questions about your life, including your eating habits and feelings, to try and establish what may have lead to your disordered eating. Your hypnotherapist will explain how hypnosis for food addiction works, going through the process with you so you feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect. It is important to ask any questions you have that have not been covered by the therapist. You should feel comfortable and happy with the process before moving forward.

Once you are happy with the process, your hypnotherapy treatment will begin. Your hypnotherapist will guide you into a highly relaxed, trance-like state. A common misconception about hypnotherapy is that you are out of control. This isn’t the case, you will not be asleep and will be fully aware of what is happening. During this state, your hypnotherapist will communicate with your unconscious. They will use suggestive statements, questions and ideas to challenge your thought patterns and your relationship with food. They will explore your relationship with food, taking into consideration your past, your well-being and emotional state.

The suggestions, questions and ideas will depend on your situation. By targeting the negative behaviours, thought patterns and habits you have associated with food, change can happen.

How can I find a hypnotherapist?

When you are ready to make a change, the first step of your journey will be to find a hypnotherapist that resonates with you. On Hypnotherapy Directory we have a proof policy in place to ensure all professionals listed on our site have provided proof of qualifications and insurance, or are members of a professional body. We also encourage our members to fill their profiles with plenty of information. This way you can learn more about how they work and if they are the person to help you.

You can find a hypnotherapist near you using our advanced search tool. When you find someone you believe can help, simply send them an email to book a consultation.

How many hypnotherapy sessions do I need?

The number of hypnosis for food addiction sessions you need will depend on your situation. Some people feel better after just one session; others will attend a number of sessions before continuing their journey.

Your hypnotherapist may also teach you self-hypnosis techniques to practise at home and refer to when you feel you need them. Practising self-hypnosis techniques can help you continue your journey long after your hypnosis for food addiction session. They are easy ways to continue working on your self-esteem, anxiety levels and building a positive relationship with food.

What causes a food addiction?

While there is no known cause of food addiction, there are many factors that should be considered. Some studies suggest addiction is genetic, although environmental and emotional factors are also thought to increase the risk. For some people, an addiction is a way of coping with difficult issues. This may include stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and unemployment. Hypnotherapy aims to identify the triggers and work with the client to overcome the issue using the power of suggestion. Together, the sufferer and hypnotherapist can begin to rebuild their self-esteem and improve well-being.

Getting help

It is important to know that while addiction is a treatable condition, it is difficult to recover alone. Talking to a friend or family member about your worries can help, but if you do not feel comfortable talking to a loved one, there are other people you can speak to. You can visit your GP for advice, or contact an organisation that specialises in addiction and recovery, such as Samaritans.

We understand that seeking help can be a daunting process. If you have acknowledged that you’re ready to seek help, just being here is a huge step in the right direction. Give yourself time to learn more about hypnotherapy and find a hypnotherapist that you feel comfortable with. Visit our FAQs section to learn more about the process.

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